A New Fitness Program at Northwestern Health Sciences University Encourages Employees to Get Up and Move

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – A new fitness program at Northwestern Health Sciences University is designed to help employees build physical activity into their work day. The program provides monthly fitness demonstrations; customized fitness packs; and frequent ‘Get Up and Go!’ activities such as organized walks, lunchtime lawn games, and early morning runs.

“We select a range of activities so that everyone can participate, no matter what shape they’re in. The activities allow staff and faculty to get away from their desk, recharge, and have fun with co-workers,” said Jeff Graham, BS, human resources generalist, and one of the organizers of the Get Up & Go! program.

The program is partially funded through a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota as part of their Workplaces On The Move program, which helps companies to encourage better health among their employees by increasing physical activity. Northwestern was one of 15 Minnesota companies to receive a grant, and was awarded up to $53,000 over a three-year period.

Northwestern has a long-standing commitment to employee health and wellness, offering comprehensive benefits and programs promoting healthy lifestyles. Northwestern also created and maintains the HealthyU website (www.nwhealth.edu/healthyu), which contains multiple health and wellness tips, facts, recipes, and other information on healthy living.

Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a wide array of choices in natural health care education including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage and human biology. The University has nearly 1,000 students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minnesota.